What temp. for maternal incubation?

[Jenasourousrex]

Hello. Just wondering what temperature the enclosure should be for my ball python to maternally incubate her eggs. I know that she will fluctuate the temp. with her coils so just making sure I don't set it up to high or anything.

Also, do you think that cypress mulch would be a good substrate? I found some at Home Depo but it's damp. Should I use it?

Thanks.


P.s. I already know all the arguments going around on maternal incubation. Please do not try to persuade me to do things differently because I won't.

[twistedtails]

You should really incubate those eggs on your own...Just kidding! I would give her a hot spot of 88. She'll most likely lay her eggs right on the heat. To keep the humidity up you could always use damp sphagnum moss. I personally would not use any mulch from Home Depot. They do not treat any of thier products for bugs and it could potentially be a problem. If you are going to use Cypress, get it from a pet supply place(just my opinion). Keep us posted BTW.

[Jenasourousrex]

If she doesn't lay them on them on the hot spot should I move her on it?
Where could I get treated sphagnum moss?

[twistedtails]

If she doesn't lay them on them on the hot spot should I move her on it?
Where could I get treated sphagnum moss?

If she lays them off the heat, then leave them where they are. Ball pythons are different from other pythons in the way that she will actually leave the eggs to bask then come back to the eggs with heat(correct me if I'm wrong). You can get sphagnum moss at most pet supply stores. I know Petco even carries it.

[twistedtails]

Just a note: The hot spot should be a MAXIMUM of 88 degrees, you might be better off in the mid to low 80's.

[Jenasourousrex]

Do you think Pet Smart carries it?

Thanks for all your help BTW twistedtails. I never would have thought about the mulch being treated or not.

[twistedtails]

I'm sure Petsmart has it.

[Sarin]

I just wanted to say please keep us posted! Although I couldn't do it myself (I'd much prefer the artificial method - LOL) I find this so interesting. What was the breeding?

[Jenasourousrex]

Well, it was completely unintentional on my part. I though they were both males (I know, I know). Then one thing led to another and now the "male" that I had for 6 years turns out to be gravid. lol. She's normal and he's pastel.
I will definitely keep you posted.

[rabernet]

P.s. I already know all the arguments going around on maternal incubation. Please do not try to persuade me to do things differently because I won't.

Not going to try to persuade you to do artificial incubation, just curious why your mind is made up on maternal incubation in this case?